London mayoral election 2012 | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/london-mayoral-election-2012
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Sun, 02 Aug 2015 18:32:50 GMT2015-08-02T18:32:50Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
Lynton Crosby: the man who really won the election for the Torieshttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/08/lynton-crosby-wedge-politics-general-election-tories
<p>There were several critics from within the Conservative party of how the secretive Australian was masterminding their campaign. Not any more </p><p>“At its absolute simplest, a campaign is simply finding out who will decide the outcome … where are they, what matters to them, and how do you reach them?” Eighteen months ago, in a bland meeting room in Mayfair in central London, the Conservatives’ expensive, controversial, now extravagantly vindicated, hired election strategist Lynton Crosby offered this advice at a rare public masterclass, for the <a href="http://www.patchworkfoundation.org.uk/" draggable="true">Patchwork Foundation</a>, an independent political charity.</p><p>The usually secretive Australian’s hour-long talk is on YouTube; but fewer than 2,000 people have watched it. Other excerpts to which non-Tories might profitably have paid more attention include: “Tone is very important when you’re executing a negative campaign … Be clear and contrasting”; and, “Ignore most of the opinion polls that you see in the newspapers, because they are so simplistic.”</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/08/lynton-crosby-wedge-politics-general-election-tories">Continue reading...</a>General election 2015Lynton CrosbyPoliticsJenny JonesKen LivingstoneBoris JohnsonConservativesUK general election 2005UK newsLondon mayoral election 2012Theresa MayMichael GoveLocal governmentLondonLondon politicsSocietyMayoral electionsLocal politicsFri, 08 May 2015 14:54:32 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/08/lynton-crosby-wedge-politics-general-election-toriesPhotograph: David Hartley/RexLynton Crosby, second left, at the party’s annual conference last year with, from left, Lord Feldman, Jim Messina (a former Obama campaign chief also hired by the Tories) and party chairman Grant ShappsPhotograph: David Hartley/RexLynton Crosby, second left, at the party’s annual conference last year with, from left, Lord Feldman, Jim Messina (a former Obama campaign chief also hired by the Tories) and party chairman Grant ShappsAndy Beckett2015-05-08T14:54:32ZThe Guardian view on elected mayors | editorialhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/10/guardian-view-on-elected-mayors
The settled view of the political elite is that if elected mayors can provide the spark for London, why not for the rest of the country?<p>As bitter rivals, it must chafe with Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone to be seen as two parts of the same virtuous project. But each has helped consolidate the mayoral model as the driving phenomenon in devolved British government. By introducing the congestion charge to London, Mr Livingstone, <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/4/newsid_2503000/2503809.stm" title="">the first directly elected mayor</a> in the year 2000, quickly showed how mayoral power could be used to dramatic effect. Mr Johnson, while <a href="https://www.london.gov.uk/mayor-assembly/mayor/boris-johnson" title="">building a platform</a> for himself that may yet lead him to Downing Street, then gave the mayoralty profile and a place on the world stage. The singular focus of the job trained an unforgiving light on both, revealing their flaws and the deficiencies of the mayoral system bequeathed to them by statute. But if the mayoralty in the capital is now seen as a job&nbsp;worth having – as evidenced by <a href="http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2013/06/who-will-labours-2016-london-mayoral-candidate-be" title="">the names now discussed</a> in connection with the 2016 election – it is because Messrs Livingston and Johnson, and ministers cheerleading the concept, have made it desirable.</p><p>The settled view of the political elite is that if elected mayors can provide the spark for London, why not for the rest of the country? Senior Tory and Labour figures alike see elected mayors as the tool to invigorate local and regional government. Last week, the chancellor, George Osborne, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jun/23/george-osborne-elected-city-mayors-raised" title="">again identified elected mayors</a> as key to his vision for the regeneration of major, historically important cities in the north. But he went further than that. <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/05/conservatives-charm-offensive-north-of-england-george-osborne" title="">His speech to northern leaders</a> also gave clear indication that those areas ready to embrace the idea would place themselves within his virtuous circle, with access to more power and more money. The message is clear. Those who would thrive should move in step. But the chancellor has much ground to prepare before his mayoral seedlings take root.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/10/guardian-view-on-elected-mayors">Continue reading...</a>Local governmentLondon mayoral election 2012UK newsPoliticsSocietyLondon politicsLondonSun, 10 Aug 2014 18:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/10/guardian-view-on-elected-mayorsPhotograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images'If elected mayors can provide the spark for London, why not for the rest of the country?' Above, Alexandra Palace counting centre for the London mayoral and Assembly elections, 4 May 2012. Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images'If elected mayors can provide the spark for London, why not for the rest of the country?' Above, Alexandra Palace counting centre for the London mayoral and Assembly elections, 4 May 2012. Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty ImagesEditorial2014-08-10T18:30:00ZBoris Johnson is likely to stand again as London mayor – and he'll win | Sonia Purnellhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/23/boris-london-labour-mayor
Labour candidates are jostling for position in London, but if Johnson stays, they haven't a hope<p>Boris Johnson has two years to go as London mayor, but some are already preparing for the end of an era. What was in effect a mercy killing of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/dec/17/thames-estuary-airport-plan-boris-johnson" title="">Johnson's estuary airport scheme</a> by Sir Howard Davies was an embarrassing setback. His other pet schemes – cable cars, hire bikes and cycle superhighways – are also unravelling fast. The prize of London would seem to be up for grabs.</p><p>It is only a matter of time, the consensus runs, before Johnson heads&nbsp;off to a safe parliamentary seat. A&nbsp;bevy of Labour mayoral hopefuls have&nbsp;been strutting their stuff in the belief that they won't be up against Johnson next time.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/23/boris-london-labour-mayor">Continue reading...</a>London mayoral election 2012Boris JohnsonPoliticsSocietyLondon politicsLocal governmentUK newsLondonMayoral electionsLocal politicsTessa JowellAndrew AdonisDiane AbbottJustine GreeningMon, 23 Dec 2013 18:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/23/boris-london-labour-mayorDominic Lipinski/PAMany of Boris Johnson's schemes, including his popular bike hire, are showing signs of unravelling. Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PADominic Lipinski/PAMany of Boris Johnson's schemes, including his popular bike hire, are showing signs of unravelling. Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PASonia Purnell2013-12-23T18:30:00ZVoters were right to boot Labour out in 2010, says Ed Miliband allyhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/dec/13/sadiq-khan-voters-right-to-reject-labour
Shadow justice secretary Sadiq Khan admits his party made mistakes regarding Iraq, immigration and bank regulation<p>Voters were right to &quot;boot out&quot; Labour in 2010 after mistakes on issues such as immigration, the banks and Iraq, Sadiq Khan, one of Ed Miliband's closest shadow cabinet allies, has said.</p><p>The shadow justice secretary, who ran Miliband's leadership campaign, said the party had to be humble enough to listen to the public and learn from the reasons why people did not vote Labour at the last election.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/dec/13/sadiq-khan-voters-right-to-reject-labour">Continue reading...</a>LabourEd MilibandLondon politicsLondon mayoral election 2012Local politicsMayoral electionsPoliticsLocal governmentSocietyLondonDoreen LawrenceUK newsFri, 13 Dec 2013 19:46:45 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/dec/13/sadiq-khan-voters-right-to-reject-labourRex FeaturesSadiq Khan was speaking as he launched a book of policy ideas for London. Photograph: Rex FeaturesRex FeaturesSadiq Khan was speaking as he launched a book of policy ideas for London. Photograph: Rex FeaturesRowena Mason, political correspondent2013-12-13T19:46:45ZLabour's mayoral pretender line-uphttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/davehillblog/2013/nov/25/labour-mayoral-pretenders-line-up
What policies might Labour's possible candidates to succeed Boris Johnson at City Hall have to offer?<p>Tessa Jowell's decision to <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/21/tessa-jowell-retire-mp-general-election">leave parliament</a> at the next general election has triggered further media speculation about who Labour's candidate for the 2016 mayoral election will be. Some see Jowell as clearing the decks for a bid. She's indicated several times that the big job at City Hall holds some appeal. What might she and others who've signalled interest in the post have to offer London? Let's consider them in alphabetical order.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/davehillblog/2013/nov/25/labour-mayoral-pretenders-line-up">Continue reading...</a>PoliticsBoris JohnsonLondon politicsLondonLondon mayoral election 2012David LammyTessa JowellDiane AbbottAndrew AdonisLabourMon, 25 Nov 2013 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/davehillblog/2013/nov/25/labour-mayoral-pretenders-line-upDavid Levene/GuardianCity Hall. Photograph: David Levene for the GuardianDave Hill2013-11-25T09:30:00ZLynton Crosby is at the centre of controversy (again) | Sonia Purnellhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jun/09/lynton-crosby-lobbying-cameron-johnson
The miracle man from Australia has divided Tories, now his work as a lobbyist calls his strategy role into question<p>Lynton Crosby is one of those hard-driven semi-mythical characters who never fails to prompt a reaction. A bluff Australian, his take-no-prisoners workaholism inspires admiring loyalty and distinct unease. Crosby's reported &pound;200,000-a-year appointment as David Cameron's top political adviser last November caused dismay and dissent within some quarters of the Conservative party right from the start. The fact that Boris Johnson vigorously pressed David Cameron to hire him was seen by some as a reliable indicator of the risks that Crosby posed to the prime minister. (After all, Johnson is not known for keeping Cameron's best interests at heart). And there were plenty among the more thoughtful Tory insiders who considered it not a gamble worth taking – and think so even more today. Crosby is a <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/jun/08/lynton-crosby-tory-strategy-lobbying-firm" title="">successful commercial lobbyist</a> – including for alcohol and tobacco interests – but the prime minister says we don't need to know which or when.</p><p>The so-called Wizard of Oz – known variously as &quot;grubby&quot;, &quot;ruthless&quot; and &quot;brilliant&quot; back home – was always in danger of becoming the story, of having his wizard screen torn down to expose his activities to the spotlight. Powerful yet unaccountable, forthright yet secretive, he has made plenty of enemies in Westminster and beyond. It is no wonder that there are <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/jun/08/lynton-crosby-tory-strategy-lobbying-firm" title="">demands even from within the Tory party itself that he should reveal the identities of his lobbying clients</a> when he has such access to the prime ministerial ear. Crosby may well have nothing to do with that U-turn from minimum alcohol pricing or the dropping of blank packaging for cigarettes. But how do we know? Trust us, we are politicians, is just not working for me. But to a leadership frightened of losing yet another election after the ignominy of failing to beat Gordon Brown in 2010, the man from Australia has acquired a reputation for miracles. They seem to have – once again – ignored the siren calls and just sailed on.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jun/09/lynton-crosby-lobbying-cameron-johnson">Continue reading...</a>Lynton CrosbyLobbyingDavid CameronBoris JohnsonLondon mayoral election 2012London politicsPoliticsUK newsSun, 09 Jun 2013 18:05:53 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jun/09/lynton-crosby-lobbying-cameron-johnsonDavid Hartley / Rex Features/David Hartley / Rex FeaturesSo-called Wizard of Oz - David Cameron's top political strategist Lynton Crosby, 2011.
Photograph: David Hartley / Rex FeaturesDavid Hartley / Rex Features/David Hartley / Rex FeaturesSo-called Wizard of Oz - David Cameron's top political strategist Lynton Crosby, 2011.
Photograph: David Hartley / Rex FeaturesSonia Purnell2013-06-09T18:05:53ZBoris Johnson: the Tories' prince over the water | Stephen Pollardhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/aug/09/boris-johnson-tories-prince-across-water
A political heavyweight with mass appeal – Boris Johnson is the holy grail of Conservatism<p>Idon't have much in common with Guardian readers, but we probably reacted in much the same way when the idea of Boris Johnson running for mayor of London was mooted. Like most people, I assumed it was a joke. But the last laugh was clearly Boris's. He has now won the largest personal mandate of any British politician, twice. And I was one of the millions who voted for him.</p><p>So although the latest bout of Boris-mania is easy to dismiss as this year's silly season obsession, the idea of Boris as prime minister, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/aug/02/rupert-murdoch-boris-johnson-prime-minister" title="">which seems to have gripped the commentariat in recent days</a>, is far from silly.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/aug/09/boris-johnson-tories-prince-across-water">Continue reading...</a>Boris JohnsonLondon mayoral election 2012ConservativesDavid CameronKen LivingstoneLondon politicsLondonMayoral electionsPoliticsSocietyLocal governmentUK newsThu, 09 Aug 2012 19:45:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/aug/09/boris-johnson-tories-prince-across-waterHandout/ReutersLondon mayor Boris Johnson. 'Dismissing him as a cartoon character with little worthwhile to offer is an idiotic response to a political heavyweight'. Photograph: ReutersHandout/ReutersLondon mayor Boris Johnson. 'Dismissing him as a cartoon character with little worthwhile to offer is an idiotic response to a political heavyweight'. Photograph: ReutersStephen Pollard2012-08-09T19:45:01ZWhy judge dismissed libel action against Boris Johnsonhttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2012/jul/17/medialaw-bob-crow
<p>A Guardian colleague, H&eacute;l&egrave;ne Mulholland, yesterday reported that a judge had <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/jul/16/london-mayoral-rivals-loophole-donors">thrown out a libel claim against London's mayor Boris Johnson.</a></p><p>But the reference came at the end of her story on a related matter and it may therefore have been overlooked. Anyway, the details bear repeating and amplifying because - lest we forget - our libel laws remain controversial in terms of chilling free expression.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2012/jul/17/medialaw-bob-crow">Continue reading...</a>MediaMedia lawBob CrowBoris JohnsonLondonUK newsLawLondon mayoral election 2012Ken LivingstoneTue, 17 Jul 2012 12:28:57 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2012/jul/17/medialaw-bob-crowRoy Greenslade2012-07-17T12:28:57ZLondon mayoral rivals use loophole to conceal donors' identitieshttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/jul/16/london-mayoral-rivals-loophole-donors
Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone campaigns criticised for listing spending as courtesy of their parties<p>Campaigners have called for greater transparency over political funding after Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone used a loophole to conceal the identity of donors who bankrolled their mayoral election campaigns.</p><p>Figures for donations made during the regulated election period between 20 March and polling day on 3 May show Johnson spent &pound;382,649, though the funding raised during the entirety of his campaign is believed to be far in excess of that.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/jul/16/london-mayoral-rivals-loophole-donors">Continue reading...</a>London mayoral election 2012London politicsLondonUK newsPoliticsLocal governmentSocietyMon, 16 Jul 2012 18:36:39 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/jul/16/london-mayoral-rivals-loophole-donorsAnthony Devlin/PAKen Livingstone and Boris Johnson during the mayoral election campaign. Photograph: Anthony Devlin/PAAnthony Devlin/PAKen Livingstone and Boris Johnson during the mayoral election campaign. Photograph: Anthony Devlin/PAHélène Mulholland2012-07-16T18:36:39ZElections watchdog to review need for voter ID at polling stationshttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/jul/10/electoral-commission-voter-id-review
Electoral Commission says it is tackling fraud concerns after May's local elections<p>The Electoral Commission is to review whether voters should produce identification at polling stations amid continued concerns about electoral fraud. It said it was disappointed the government had not conducted its own review.</p><p>The review was announced as the elections watchdog published its reports on May's local elections, in which it highlighted voters' concerns about the potential for fraud. Allegations of fraud in Tower Hamlets, east London, are under investigation by the Metropolitan police. Post-election polling found that about a third of voters felt that fraud had taken place in the 3 May elections, at least &quot;a little&quot;.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/jul/10/electoral-commission-voter-id-review">Continue reading...</a>Electoral reformLocal electionsLocal elections 2012London mayoral election 2012UK newsTue, 10 Jul 2012 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/jul/10/electoral-commission-voter-id-reviewShout/Alamy/AlamyAllegations of electoral fraud in Tower Hamlets, east London, are under investigation by the Metropolitan police. Photograph: Shout/Alamy/AlamyPress Association2012-07-10T05:00:00ZLycamobile is Tories' top corporate donor - but pays no corporation taxhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/jun/04/lycamobile-tories-biggest-corporate-donor
Lycamobile has given Conservatives more than £300,000 in last nine months, but has paid no coporation tax for three years<p>A mobile phone company that has paid no corporation tax for three years has become the Conservatives' most generous corporate donor after giving more than &pound;300,000 over the last nine months, new figures show.</p><p>Lycamobile, an &pound;88m company based in Canary Wharf, gave more than &pound;130,000 in donations between January and March this year, the latest Electoral Commission records show. This was on top of previous donations at the end of last year.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/jun/04/lycamobile-tories-biggest-corporate-donor">Continue reading...</a>Party fundingTelecommunications industryConservativesBusinessPoliticsUK newsBoris JohnsonLondon mayoral election 2012Tax and spendingMon, 04 Jun 2012 16:08:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/jun/04/lycamobile-tories-biggest-corporate-donorJulian Makey/Rex FeaturesMuch of Lycamobile's recent support was for the re-election campaign of Boris Johnson, who has praised the company publicly. Photograph: Julian Makey/Rex FeaturesJulian Makey/Rex FeaturesBoris Johnson has praised Lycamobile, calling it as dynamic as London. Photograph: Julian Makey/Rex FeaturesRajeev Syal and Solomon Hughes2012-06-04T16:08:06ZHideously diverse Britain: I know better. But we all make mistakeshttp://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/may/13/diverse-britain-inadvertent-stereotyping
What is there to learn from inadvertent stereotyping during coverage of the London mayoral campaign?<p>It's been an unsettling few days. Instructive, but unsettling. I subscribe to what Humphrey Bogart's detective says in The Maltese Falcon. &quot;I don't mind a reasonable amount of trouble,&quot; he tells a would-be client. If you write this column, you make a few enemies. I just like them to be the right ones.</p><p>It began with <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/may/05/ken-livingstone-london-mayor-election-defeat" title="">an article I wrote about the electoral demise of Ken Livingstone</a> in the London mayoralty. I referred to a meeting Livingstone had with Jewish Labour activists who wanted to repair the rift that opened up between them during his final stint in power. It didn't go well. I sought to make the point that having been offered an olive branch, it was silly of him to upset a good proportion of them all over again. Only that wasn't how I said it. In an early draft, dashed off with a view to further revision, I messed up. I said Ken should have made more effort with London's &quot;Jewish political establishment&quot;. That clumsy wording was eradicated in all later drafts, including the one submitted for publication. Sod's law, as the production team tried to keep up with the busy events of an election night, the first draft with the offending phrase was the one they used.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/may/13/diverse-britain-inadvertent-stereotyping">Continue reading...</a>Race issuesKen LivingstoneWorld newsBoris JohnsonUK newsLondon mayoral election 2012SocietyLondon politicsLocal governmentLondonMayoral electionsPoliticsLabourJudaismReligionSun, 13 May 2012 19:31:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/may/13/diverse-britain-inadvertent-stereotypingHugh Muir2012-05-13T19:31:01ZBoris Johnson's outfit: the worst sin against fashion? | Open threadhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/may/08/boris-johnson-sins-against-fashion
The re-elected mayor of London caused a stir by showing up to work in a surprising outfit. But perhaps you've seen worse<p>The mismatched socks. The logo-emblazoned T-shirt (what is this? Elmer the elephant? A giant mushroom?). The fleece top – in beige. And worst of all (god, worst of all), the loose-fitting silk shorts with a massive dragon on the crotch (what are you trying to tell us?). This was Boris Johnson on his first day back at the London mayor's office, as presented on <a href="http://twitpic.com/9iqgo9" title="">the Evening Standard's front page</a>.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/may/08/boris-johnson-sins-against-fashion">Continue reading...</a>Boris JohnsonPoliticsLondonUK newsLondon mayoral election 2012SocietyLondon politicsLocal governmentMayoral electionsTue, 08 May 2012 12:05:54 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/may/08/boris-johnson-sins-against-fashionguardian.co.ukOpen thread2012-05-08T12:05:54ZKen Livingstone tells Ed Miliband not to pander to 'discredited Blairites'http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/may/08/livingstone-miliband-pander-discredited-blairites
Defeated mayoral candidate says Labour is getting economic strategy right but New Labour old guard is holding party back<p></p><p>The defeated Labour mayoral candidate, Ken Livingstone, has warned Ed Miliband he should stop trying to pander to the &quot;discredited Blairite wing&quot; of the party, which he accused of holding Labour back.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/may/08/livingstone-miliband-pander-discredited-blairites">Continue reading...</a>Ken LivingstonePoliticsEd MilibandLabourUK newsLondon mayoral election 2012SocietyLondon politicsLocal governmentLondonMayoral electionsBoris JohnsonTue, 08 May 2012 10:06:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/may/08/livingstone-miliband-pander-discredited-blairitesStefan Rousseau/PAKen Livingstone said Ed Miliband was 'far too concerned about carrying the discredited old Blairite wing with him who bought into all this Thatcherite nonsense.' Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PAStefan Rousseau/PAKen Livingstone said Ed Miliband was 'far too concerned about carrying the discredited old Blairite wing with him who bought into all this Thatcherite nonsense.' Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PAHélène Mulholland, political reporter2012-05-08T10:06:15ZBoris Johnson sets out agenda for second term as mayor of Londonhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/may/07/boris-johnson-agenda-second-term
Mayor promises to get more people into work and investigate why Londoners are 'losing out' to foreigners in jobs market<p>The mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has set out plans to investigate why young Londoners are &quot;losing out&quot; to foreign nationals in the jobs market as he returned to work following his re-election late on Friday night.</p><p>Johnson's win over Labour's Ken Livingstone was the bright moment in an otherwise grim set of local election results for the Conservatives.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/may/07/boris-johnson-agenda-second-term">Continue reading...</a>Boris JohnsonPoliticsLondon politicsLondonLondon mayoral election 2012SocietyLocal governmentUK newsMayoral electionsUnemploymentMon, 07 May 2012 17:07:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/may/07/boris-johnson-agenda-second-termJustin Tallis/AFP/Getty ImagesBoris Johnson has set out plans to investigate why young Londoners are 'losing out' to foreign nationals in the jobs market. Photograph: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty ImagesJustin Tallis/AFP/Getty ImagesBoris Johnson has set out plans to investigate why young Londoners are 'losing out' to foreign nationals in the jobs market. Photograph: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty ImagesHélène Mulholland, political reporter2012-05-07T17:07:03ZVoting reform and the London mayor| James Ballhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/may/06/london-mayor-elections-voting-system
It seems that many people did not understand the system used in the mayoral elections. Have we got the mayor we really want?<p>Late on Friday evening – around three hours later than expected after shenanigans involving lost ballot boxes – the UK public learned that London had returned <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/may/05/boris-johnson-london-win" title="">Boris Johnson as its mayor</a> for a second term.</p><p>What's less clear is whether Londoners really intended to do so. The 62,538 vote margin of Boris's victory may have been narrower than expected, but at 3% or so it is well past the point where doubt over counting or errors could be a concern.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/may/06/london-mayor-elections-voting-system">Continue reading...</a>UK newsPoliticsLondon mayoral election 2012London politicsLocal governmentLondonMayoral electionsSun, 06 May 2012 15:58:46 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/may/06/london-mayor-elections-voting-systemLeon Neal/AFP/Getty ImagesLondon Mayor Boris Johnson and his wife Marina Wheeler at a polling station in north London on May 3, 2012. Photograph: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty ImagesLeon Neal/AFP/Getty ImagesLondon Mayor Boris Johnson and his wife Marina Wheeler at a polling station in north London on May 3, 2012. Photograph: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty ImagesJames Ball2012-05-06T15:58:46ZBoris Johnson secures second term as London mayor - videohttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2012/may/06/boris-johnson-london-mayor-video
Boris Johnson was re-elected on Friday after a closely fought campaign with Labour candidate and former mayor Ken Livingstone. He defied voting trends to beat his main rival by a tighter than expected margin of three percentage points, the narrowest to date in the London mayoral election <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2012/may/06/boris-johnson-london-mayor-video">Continue reading...</a>London mayoral election 2012Boris JohnsonConservativesKen LivingstonePoliticsLocal elections 2012Sun, 06 May 2012 09:45:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2012/may/06/boris-johnson-london-mayor-videoPeter Macdiarmid/Getty ImagesBoris Johnson speaks after the announcement of his victory in the London Mayoral elections as Ken Livingstone looks on Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty ImagesGuardian Staff2012-05-06T09:45:00ZDavid Cameron needs to keep his headless chickens in the coop | Andrew Rawnsleyhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/may/06/andrew-rawnsley-cameron-problems-with-rightwing
The coalition will be strained to breaking point if the prime minister fails to face down the angry Tory right<p>Rudyard Kipling offers sound advice to political parties about how to respond to midterm election results. In triumph or disaster, the wise man treats those two impostors the same. Since the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/may/04/coalition-labour-election-gains1" title="">results</a> began rolling in, climaxing with the dramatic cliffhanger in <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/blog/2012/may/04/boris-ken-london-mayor-election-result?newsfeed=true" title="">London</a> that was announced minutes before midnight, two out of three of the main parties have responded in a rational fashion. The exception is the Conservatives. If I were David Cameron, I would worry quite a lot about the hammering suffered by the Tories, but I would be more alarmed that many in his party are responding to a reversal of fortune by losing their heads.</p><p>By contrast, Ed Miliband ought to be encouraged that his party has reacted in a sensibly sober way to these elections. Sentiment among Labour people can be summarised as encouraged but not intoxicated, which is the appropriate response to a performance that saw gains that were meaningful without being spectacular. Labour consolidated its dominance in the north of England, made important strides in the Midlands, restored its historic hegemony in Wales, did better than expected in Scotland against the Nationalists while making advances in the south and east of England in some of the places Labour will have to win at a general election to become the next government.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/may/06/andrew-rawnsley-cameron-problems-with-rightwing">Continue reading...</a>Local elections 2012London mayoral election 2012Local governmentUK newsLocal politicsPoliticsSat, 05 May 2012 23:07:44 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/may/06/andrew-rawnsley-cameron-problems-with-rightwingPeter Macdiarmid/Getty ImagesDavid Cameron needs to deal firmly with the To0ry right if the coalition is not to be put under heavy strain. Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty ImagesPeter Macdiarmid/Getty ImagesDavid Cameron needs to deal firmly with the To0ry right if the coalition is not to be put under heavy strain. Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty ImagesAndrew Rawnsley2012-05-05T23:07:44ZDavid Cameron 'delighted' by Boris Johnson winhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/may/05/david-cameron-delighted-boris-johnson
Prime minister praises strong campaign of mayor, who vows to dedicate next term to helping Londoners hit by tough times<p>David Cameron has said he is delighted by Boris Johnson's victory, despite speculation the London mayor could mount a challenge to the Tory leadership.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/may/05/david-cameron-delighted-boris-johnson">Continue reading...</a>Boris JohnsonPoliticsDavid CameronLondon mayoral election 2012SocietyLondon politicsLocal governmentUK newsLondonMayoral electionsSat, 05 May 2012 16:35:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/may/05/david-cameron-delighted-boris-johnsonGetty ImagesDavid Cameron (right) said Boris Johnson's re-election as London mayor was based on his his excellent record. Photograph: Getty ImagesDamien Pearse and agencies2012-05-05T16:35:00ZJohnson and Cameron vow to work together for London - videohttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2012/may/05/cameron-johnson-mayoral-london-video
David Cameron says he is 'delighted' with Boris Johnson's mayoral victory and the pair pledge to work together for the good of the capital before Johnson signs the declaration of office <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2012/may/05/cameron-johnson-mayoral-london-video">Continue reading...</a>London mayoral election 2012Boris JohnsonPoliticsConservativesDavid CameronLocal politicsUK newsLocal governmentSocietyLondonLondon politicsSat, 05 May 2012 14:30:36 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2012/may/05/cameron-johnson-mayoral-london-videoPADavid Cameron and Boris Johnson Photograph: PAGuardian Staff2012-05-05T14:30:36Z